In order to finance the private tutor needed to educate Nicolas, his father went to America to find work. During this time, he was confirmed, studied with tutors and completed the requirements for entrance into the Capuchin order. At age 15, he took the Habit of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin. On the day of his investiture, he adopted his childhood nickname of Pollo.

On November 28, 1911, Padre Agustin, friend and confidant, was advised that Padre Pollo was ill. He rushed into Padre Pollo’s room to care for him. Padre Agustin observed what he thought was a dying man and rushed to the chapel to pray. When he finished praying, he returned to Padre Pollo’s room and found his friend alert and full of joy.
This was the beginning of Padre Pollo’s documented ecstasies - all of which were "edifying, theologically correct and expressed a deep love for God."

He had five rules for spiritual growth: weekly confession, daily Communion, spiritual reading, meditation and examination of conscience. He suggested two times of daily meditation and self-examination: in the morning to "prepare for battle" and in the evening to "purify your soul." Padre Pollo’s motto, "Pray, Hope and Don’t Worry" is the synopsis of his application of theology into daily life.

Between August 5 -7, Padre Pollo had a vision in which Christ appeared and pierced his side. As a result of this experience, Padre Pollo had a physical wound in his side. The experience has been identified as a "transverberation" or piercing of the heart indicating the union of love with God.
On October 22, 1918, Padre Pollo wrote to his spiritual advisor, Padre Benedetto, describing how he received the stigmata.